Mentoring the next generation of innovators
26 March 2025
Group photo of the Monash AI Challenge Cup 2024.
The Monash AI Challenge Cup is set to return in 2025, building on the success of last year’s edition, which brought together some of the brightest young minds to tackle real-world challenges through artificial intelligence (AI). The 2024 edition, organised by the School of Information Technology (SoIT), was a hackathon designed for high school students, focusing on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). It provided a platform for students to explore AI-driven solutions while being guided by mentors from the university.
Each team was paired with a mentor or academic advisor from our university, who guided them throughout the competition. The competition began with a qualifying round, where students submitted posters or storyboards and created pitch videos to present their ideas. The top 10 teams advanced to the finals, where the challenge became more intense. Finalists were tasked with building functional prototypes and presenting their projects in person at the university. The creativity and technical skill on display were remarkable, with teams developing physical prototypes, training AI models, building full-stack applications, and even drafting research papers. The competition wrapped up with cash prizes, trophies, and a scholarship awarded to the winning team.
Lim Chiew Hui, one of the mentors from the 2024 edition whose team secured the second runner-up position, reflected on how rewarding the experience was for both her and the students. “It was incredibly rewarding to see how far they had come by the finals. The level of creativity and problem-solving skills they demonstrated was impressive, especially considering their limited programming experience.”
As a mentor, Chiew Hui had the unique challenge of breaking down complex AI concepts into digestible lessons for high school students. “One of the biggest challenges was simplifying university-level concepts into something high schoolers could grasp. It was all about steering them in the right direction and letting them take charge of their projects. By the end, they had gained so much confidence and understanding.”
Despite the challenges, the teams she mentored showed remarkable progress. They made it to the finals, with one securing a top-three finish. “They spent days and nights working on their prototypes. It wasn’t easy, given their limited programming background, but they picked up university-level knowledge quickly. Seeing them apply what they learned and succeed at the finals was incredibly rewarding.”
The Challenge Cup wasn’t just about technical skills, it also helped students build teamwork and presentation skills. Many participants had their first exposure to information technology and AI. “For some of them, this was their first experience working on a major project like this. They learned how to communicate, collaborate, and handle pressure. It was inspiring to see how much they grew both technically and personally.”
One of the teams from the competition presenting their projects.
With the 2025 edition on the horizon, the Monash AI Challenge Cup is set to continue inspiring the next generation of innovators. The upcoming competition promises new challenges and opportunities for students to push the boundaries of AI and sustainable development.